Las Vegas bartender accused of conspiring to kill boss before shooting

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A nightclub bartender allegedly conspired to kill her boss amid his attempts to buy her share of the business, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

Johanna Davila, 50, faces charges of attempted murder and conspiring to commit murder, records said.

Las Vegas Metro police identified Davila as a bartender at the El Firme nightclub and the victim as the business’s owner. A person who worked at the business described Davila as the “second in command.” The victim was scheduled to meet with Davila the day after the shooting in an attempt to buy Davila’s share of the business, documents said.

On July 12, the victim was driving home from the nightclub when he noticed a van tailgating him, documents said. While approaching the intersection of Linn Lane and Owens Avenue, someone in the van fired several gunshots toward him.

The victim was not shot but at least five bullets impacted his car, documents said.

Detectives located surveillance video, which they said showed a car in the area registered to Davila, documents said. Officers later took Davila and another man into custody. While arresting Davila, police said they found a gun in her purse. Bullets from the shooting scene matched the gun’s unique headstamp, police said.

The man arrested with Davila, who himself did not face charges as of Thursday, told police he did not shoot the victim as he did not “even know the guy,” documents said. Documents allege police believe the man shot Davila’s boss and conspired with Davila.

Davila reportedly told police she was at Disneyland at the time of the shooting, and she was not aware her boss was shot, documents said. Davila later admitted to being in the area at the time of the shooting but denied any involvement.

Police also suspect Davila was surveilling the victim for nearly five hours before the shooting, documents said.

Davila remained in custody Thursday on $35,000 bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 4.

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